Abstract
The effect of a local NO3 −-supply on morphology and physiology of maize root systems were investigated in water culture.
If NO3 − supply is restricted to a part of the root system only (zone of supply), a stimulation of extension growth of first order laterals is observed 4 days after onset of the treatment. However, number of first order laterals remains relatively unaffected.
From the very beginning of the treatment 15NO3 − absorption rate in the zone of supply is considerably higher than in control plants, i.e. NO3 −-supply to the entire root system.
Accumulation of 14C-labelled assimilates in the zone of supply at the third day of the treatment indicates a higher assimilate demand in this root region. It is assumed that phloem mobile phytohormones, possibly auxins, may lead to an endogenous shift in the hormone balance, responsible for the described morphogenetic reaction. This idea is supported by the fact that accelerated cell division rate in the zone of supply (measured as incorporation of 3H-Methylthymidine) does not occur before the fifth day after onset of the treatment, i.e. two days after accumulation of 14C-assimilates in the supply zone.
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Thoms, K., Sattelmacher, B. (1990). Influence of nitrate placement on morphology and physiology of maize (Zea mays) root systems. In: van Beusichem, M.L. (eds) Plant Nutrition — Physiology and Applications. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 41. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0585-6_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0585-6_5
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